68HC908 end of life

[mga4040]

I noticed the processor used is no longer manufactured. As of 07/30/07 There is no pin for pin replacement.
Will there be any mods/ software changes to accomodate this and allow use of one of the newer generation processors? I recently lost a processor when my alternator regulator died. Luckily digikey had a replacement.
Adam

[brentp]

Hi Adam,

That is correct. Parts reach end of life on a regular basis, especially parts like microcontrollers/cpu's where you see continuous development on the part of the manufacturers.

However, there's no need to worry. We have plenty of stock on the current processor and we plan to have on hand spares for cases like yours. Note that your case appears to be the first bona-fide processor failure I've known of in 1000's of MJLJs.

I presume you had an over-voltage situation when your alternator failed? In those cases the voltage regulator on the MJLJ board should have gone into over-voltage shutdown mode. What else was damaged on your MJLJ board? Oscillator, MAX232a ? And did your EDIS module survive?

If, after we phase in the next generation ignition controller there's still a demand for an EDIS only controller, it will be a very simple board and firmware rev to migrate to a replacement processor.

Also, for current users, if we somehow deplete our spares, a simple processor adapter board could be quickly made.

Thanks for the inquiry!

[Oliver Sedlacek]

It appears that you can still get the processor in a surface mount package. I've ordered a few to try out, and I can let you know if there are any problems.